I need to get used to this. I have just finished all the dishes, the wiping down of surfaces, the restocking, the cash counting. Granted, we ran a bit late tonight, but with a closing time of 11pm, I estimate that I will be here for at least 45 minutes after last call. So that puts me at an estimated lights out time of around 11:45. I'm usually well home by that time, watching a movie and relaxing with my Baby and the Kittens. Getting used to this will definintely be a process.
I am watching the last cook close out at Paradise across the street. He is watching something at the bar, no doubt eating his late-night dinner and having a drink. Decompressing. I don't eat after 9pm, so I am starving. I need to remember to bring dinner to work. However, despite the late night, I am grateful. We are blessed to be in this position, to own our own place, masters of our own destiny, going for broke, making dreams, our dreams happen, each hour, each night, each day of the week.
It recalls the original vision for the place: I went from wanting a university career as a tenured professor of Politcal History, to simply wanting to become a humble shop keeper, purveying the best possible wines I can get my hands on. And I could not possibly dream for a better life. I love seeing the wonder, the surprise, the gratitude in people's eyes. I love making people happy. Not drunk (often that happens), but happy. There is a path to happiness, to conviviality, contained in the right bottle of wine. Therein lies my life's goal: to purvey happiness, profundity, wonder.
I hope that I can keep at it, as long as this world gives me the strength.
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